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How Teaching Children About Jesus Can Help Keep Me Humble

JESUS REVEALS THAT EVEN THE BEST PEOPLE CAN STRUGGLE WITH PRIDE

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” MATTHEW 18:1 NLT

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 PETER 5:5 ESV

Pride can:

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. PROVERBS 29:23 NLT

But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. 2 CHRONICLES 32:26 ESV

Repenting of pride and embracing humility will bless me and the people I love.

JESUS REDUCES MY PRIDE BY TURNING MY FOCUS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS CHILDREN

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. MATTHEW 18:2 NLT

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” MATTHEW 19:13-14 NLT

JESUS SAYS CHILDREN HELP TEACH ME WHAT HUMILITY IS ALL ABOUT

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. MATTHEW 18:3-4 NLT

JESUS TEACHES THAT LEADING, LOVING AND TEACHING HIS CHILDREN IS IMPORTANT WORK

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. MATTHEW 18:5-6 NLT

People who teach children should:

WE SHOULD ALL HUMBLY USE OUR GIFTS TO HELP THE CHURCH REACH THE NEXT GENERATION

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. PSALM 78:4 NLT

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 PETER 4:10 NLT

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 1 PETER 5:2 NLT

How can I help the church love, lead and teach the next generation about Jesus?

My Notes

Discussion Questions

Use the following questions to reflect on the sermon and choose a couple from each section to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What is something you’re great at?
  2. START HERE: Describe the difference between confidence and pride.
  3. START HERE: Why can pride be difficult to recognize in ourselves?
  4. KEEP GOING: When was the last time you felt humbled in a way that helped you grow?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 18:1-4 (NLT). Why do you think Jesus ties greatness to becoming like a child rather than to doing something impressive?
  6. KEEP GOING: What does it mean to have childlike faith? Which characteristics of that kind of faith are hardest for you to live out?
  7. KEEP GOING: In what area does pride tend to creep up in your life? How has that affected your relationships?
  8. KEEP GOING: What do you think is the root of pride?
  9. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 19:13-14 (NLT). What is something you wish an adult had done for you when you were a kid?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: Read Proverbs 29:23 (NLT). What would it look like for you to practice humility in one specific relationship or situation this week?
  11. LIVE IT OUT: Read Matthew 18:5-6 (NLT). How can you help to love, protect, and disciple the next generation in our church?